Brazil’s Supreme Court has rejected former President Jair Bolsonaro’s appeal against his 27-year prison sentence for plotting a post-election coup, affirming the far-right leader’s conviction for attempting to prevent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from assuming the presidency in 2022.

A five-member panel of the court reached a majority decision on Friday, with justices Flavio Dino, Alexandre de Moraes, and Cristiano Zanin voting to dismiss Bolsonaro’s appeal. The remaining panel members have until November 14 to submit their votes, although the result is largely seen as decisive.

Background: Bolsonaro’s Coup Conviction

Bolsonaro, 70, was found guilty in September of orchestrating efforts to undermine Brazil’s democratic transition after his electoral defeat in 2022. Prosecutors noted that the coup plan failed primarily due to a lack of support from senior military officials, not because Bolsonaro abandoned the scheme.

The conviction includes his role in inciting the January 8 assault on Brazil’s democratic institutions, when supporters attempted to pressure the military to prevent Lula from taking office.

Court’s Reasoning

Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who presided over the trial, rejected claims by Bolsonaro’s lawyers that they were overwhelmed with evidence, including thousands of documents and digital files, which supposedly hindered their defense. Moraes emphasized that Bolsonaro’s coup attempt was deliberate and well-documented.

In a detailed 141-page ruling, Moraes wrote:

“The ruling justified all stages of the sentencing process… The sentence reflects Bolsonaro’s high culpability as president and the severe impact of the crimes committed.”

The 27-year and 3-month sentence also considered Bolsonaro’s age as a mitigating factor.

House Arrest and Health Concerns

Bolsonaro has been under house arrest since August for unrelated legal issues and may request to serve his sentence under similar conditions due to ongoing health problems stemming from a stabbing attack in 2018. His lawyers argued that there were “profound injustices” and “contradictions” in the conviction, seeking a reduction in the sentence, which the court dismissed.

Political Repercussions

The trial has fueled political tensions in Brazil. Supporters of Bolsonaro attempted to push an amnesty bill in Congress, which ultimately failed following nationwide protests.

The ruling also drew reactions from international allies. Former US President Donald Trump, a Bolsonaro supporter, previously imposed sanctions and trade tariffs on Brazilian officials in response to the trial. However, relations between Washington and Brasilia have softened in recent months, with Lula and Trump holding meetings to reduce trade tensions.

Implications Ahead of 2026 Elections

With Bolsonaro’s legal options nearly exhausted and his appeal rejected, Brazil’s conservative electorate faces a leadership vacuum ahead of the 2026 presidential elections. Lula, 80, has confirmed he will seek a fourth term, positioning himself as the dominant figure in Brazilian politics.

The Supreme Court’s decision underscores the judiciary’s commitment to holding leaders accountable for attempts to subvert democracy and sends a clear signal about the consequences of post-election power grabs in Brazil.